Safeguarding
What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding is a key duty of our churches and their trustees. It is about how we protect the most vulnerable, and ensure we are doing everything we can to minimise, identify and report any possibilities of mistreatment or abuse.
On this page you will find key training resources, documents and downloads to help you with this important element of running a SNU Spiritualist Church or Centre
Introducing our Safeguarding Manager
We are delighted to introduce Gemma Faraway, the Union’s Safeguarding Manager.
Gemma’s role is to support churches, centres, tutors and members to ensure that everyone can participate safely and feel respected, supported and protected.
Safeguarding is about creating environments where people feel safe to speak up, and where concerns are taken seriously, and responded to appropriately.
If you are unsure about something, you can always get in touch for advice – you do not need to be certain that something is wrong.
Please see the information below for further information about what safeguarding is, and for specific information on how to raise a concern, click on the button below.
How to report an issue or raise a concernThe SNU is partnered with safeguarding charity Thirtyone:eight for your safeguarding needs…
If you have any concerns at any time, we have a partnership with safeguarding charity Thirtyone:eight who can also advise you.
You can contact Thirtyone:eight directly via telephone on 0303 003 1111.
CONCERN vs SAFEGUARDING
What is a concern?
A concern is when something doesn’t feel right.
This might include:
- behaviour that feels uncomfortable or inappropriate
- worries about someone’s wellbeing
- boundary issues or poor conduct
- something that you have seen or heard that causes concern
You do not need proof – if something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to raise it.
What is a safeguarding issue?
A safeguarding issue is when there is a risk of harm to a person.
This might include:
- emotional, physical or sexual harm
- coercion, control or exploitation
- harassment or ongoing unwanted behaviour
- concerns about a vulnerable adult or child
Safeguarding concerns will be reviewed and responded to in line with safeguarding procedures.
How to report or raise a concern:
You can report a concern using the safeguarding concern form below.
You can also speak to a tutor, church leader or contact the safeguarding team directly.
Most District Councils of the SNU also have their own safeguarding coordinator(s). You can find a directory of these below.
Email: You can email the safeguarding team at safeguarding@snu.org.uk.
You can also contact head office via telephone on 01279 816363. Head office can help with any additional accessibility requirements you may have, including providing hard copies of forms where needed.
If someone is in immediate danger, please call 999 immediately.
Safeguarding Concern Form
Safeguarding Training and Guidance
Click on the collapsible items below to access videos and resources for each subject.
Note – You can click on a video title to watch it on Youtube, or expand it to full-screen using the on-screen option in the bottom-right corner.
In this informative advisory video for SNU churches, members & affiliates, Minister Julia Almond takes you through an overview of exactly what safeguarding is, why it is important, and what is happening within the SNU over the coming months and beyond.
Miriam Fitzgerald OSNU, John Blackwood OSNU and GAS President Caroline Scott then guide you through key areas of Safeguarding, including:
- What is abuse?
- Recognising the different types of abuse
- What to do when you recognise abuse or suspect it may be occuring
- Who to report abuse to
- Who the Union’s local and national safeguarding coordinators are
- What to do if you can’t reach a safeguarding coordinator
- The role of the Ministry within safeguarding
- What churches and centres must do
- Upcoming safeguarding initiatives and plans
Who is my District Council Coordinator?
Each District has its own Safeguarding coordinator(s).
Click on a District Council to find the name of that District’s coordinator(s).
For contact details for each District, head on over to our designated District Councils page.
Minister June Hughes
Please contact Head Office or safeguarding@snu.org.uk.
Minister Julia Almond
Please contact Head Office or safeguarding@snu.org.uk.
Minister Lynn Bradley
Des Beaumont CSNU
Andrea Dunn OSNU
Please contact Head Office or safeguarding@snu.org.uk.
Lynn Edwards OSNU
Minister Pat Seymour
Diane Stoner
Minister David Bruton
Lorraine Gilbert Grey OSNU
Please contact Head Office or safeguarding@snu.org.uk.
Useful Safeguarding downloads
SNU Safeguarding Policy (2025)
Safeguarding Poster
Church Safeguarding Commitment Poster
